WOODHULL… State
Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) was sworn in to his first term in
the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday during the inauguration of
the historic 100th General Assembly held at the University of
Illinois-Springfield’s Sangamon Auditorium.

“What an historic honor it was to be sworn in to the 100th
General Assembly at a time when public service can make such a difference in
the lives of Illinois citizens,” said Swanson.
“I know why my constituents sent me here and I don’t intend to let them
down.”

“I want to thank State Representative
Don and Carolyn Moffitt for their years of service to our region and the State
of Illinois,” continued Swanson.

Rep. Swanson is a retired Lieutenant Colonel serving in both
the Illinois Army National Guard and United States Army. He was elected to replace retiring State
Representative Don Moffitt in November.
Swanson is a graduate of AlWood Community
Schools, Black Hawk East and Western Illinois University. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National
Guard on August 11, 1977 and retired January 31, 2001. On July 1, 2007 he was recalled to Active
duty serving a one-year tour in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star and Combat Action
Badge. He was again recalled to Active
Duty on April 3, 2010 serving three years at the Rock Island Arsenal leading a
team of civilians and soldiers transferring a mission from the Pentagon to Rock
Island Arsenal. He completed over 27
years military service.

Swanson served
for over 17 years on the AlWood (Alpha and Woodhull) Board of Education. He
served two years on the Henry County Board, but was required to resign when
called back to Active Duty. Swanson
later served as Superintendent of the Henry County Veterans Assistance
Commission. He is actively engaged with
the 5th generation Swanson family farm near Andover. Rep. Swanson is married to the former Tammy
Snider of Kewanee. They have two adult children, and reside near Alpha.

Swanson further announced on
Wednesday that he voluntarily rejected both a legislative pension and
healthcare benefits from the State of Illinois for his service in the Illinois
General Assembly. “This was a promise I
made last year when running for office and I fully intend to follow-through on
that promise,” said Swanson.

The House of Representatives of the new 100th
General Assembly is comprised of 67 Democrats and 51 Republicans. Representative Michael J. Madigan of Chicago
was re-elected Speaker of the House for another two-year term. Representative Jim Durkin of Western Springs
was re-elected Minority Leader.

74th District residents can learn more about
legislation sponsored by Rep. Swanson during the Spring legislative session at
his website at www.repswanson.com.